Sable had almost forgotten about Satitba’s intense drawl, and in her agitated state her ears failed to register most of what the blanketed mare said. The very least she did manage to catch was that Satitba lived in this treacherous place. Still shaken from her fall, that was all this landscape seemed to her in those moments – treacherous – but when she looked up to follow her friend meekly through the trees, she remembered that it was sort of beautiful, too, with its endless sea of trees and its gorgeous view, if you happened to find a break in the foliage to catch it. Here’s hoping Satitba has better balance than I do.

She could not have said how long they walked uphill through the snow. It must not have been very long at all, but it felt barely more than an instant, occupied as she was with the sharp ache in her chest and the careful placement of each of her hooves. Her breath came in short, sharp bursts even as the ground levelled out beneath them, and as soon as her senses were aware of the babbling stream snaking through the pale crust of snow just ahead, she made a beeline for it. The freezing water was like a kick in the guts, but it helped soothe her nerves a little.

When her dark honey eyes finally found Satitba, she let out a sudden chuckle. “What are the chances, meeting again like this,” she said breathlessly, and as the adrenaline loosened its hold on her bruised body, she became aware of a fluttery sensation in her stomach. Somehow, despite the fact they hardly knew each other, she realized she had missed the simple camaraderie of Satitba’s company. Then her mind returned to the first and last time they had seen each other, and the pleasant fluttering sensation tightened into something altogether less pleasant. Maybe if I don’t bring it up... Besides, she might not even remember. But guilt loosened her tongue.

“I’m – I’m sorry about the way I left things last time, by the way. It had nothing to do with you, I promise; I was just going through... stuff.” She was aware of how pathetic her excuse was even as it left her tongue, and lowered her eyes to hide her shame. Satitba did not seem the sort to hold a grudge over something so petty, but Sable’s embarrassment over her own actions was nonetheless very real.

15'2 - Ee Ata Ff nCr - 3 - mutt